My Precious Family 3 [Jenlisa]

Chapter 401: arranged marriage

Jennie and Jevin assisted Grandma Manoban to her room. The three of them chatted for quite some time while Butler Fu set up the mood in the room so the old madam could rest anytime she wanted. It didn't take long when Grandma Manoban eventually fell asleep. Jevin already fell asleep beside her in the middle of their conversation.

Sitting on the chair beside the bed, a subtle smile appeared on Jennie's face. Her eyes were soft, watching the old madam and her son sleep on the same bed.

'I'm glad Jevin is close with Grandma,' she thought. Now assured Jevin truly had a good time in his stay here. 'And Grandma really treasures him. It put my heart at ease.'

It was not like she didn't know how Lisa's family treasured Jevin. He was the only kid in the main family tree, but there were still worries in her heart.

Knock Knock

Jennie perked up as she looked back to see the person who had knocked on the door. As soon as she saw her mother-in-law, Chittip Manoban, her lips curled up into a wider smile.

"I thought Mother is still awake," Chittip said, taking a step inside but keeping the door ajar. "Even Jevy fell asleep. Have you been watching them sleep?"

"Grandma just fell asleep."

"I see..." Chittip rocked her head in understanding, holding the door, eyes falling on Jennie. "Jennie, do you have a minute? Since Grandma is already asleep, I think it's a good time to tour you around here."

Jennie pressed her lips tightly, but the corners were curled up. "Yes, Mom."

Jennie turned her head back on the bed, assisting herself up. She pulled the blanket up slightly, securing Grandma and Jevin. When she was sure they were tucked in properly, she straightened her back and walked toward the door where Chittip was standing.

"I'm sorry that I only got to greet you, Mom," she expressed in a benign manner.

"It's alright. I heard Butler Fu escorted you to Grandma the moment you came in." Chittip maintained her natural kind smile, glancing at the bed. "Mother is really fond of you, so I understand. Also, it's not a big deal."

She then set her eyes back to her daughter-in-law. "Do you want some tea?"

"Anything is fine, Mom."

"Alright then."

With that being said, Jennie and Chittip departed the room so Grandma Manoban and Jevin could rest properly. Jennie planned to walk a step behind Chittip, but the latter waited for her and matched her pace. Even though both women had a peaceful relationship, they was still a clear line between them that Jennie was reluctant to cross.

"About dinner..." Chittip trod carefully through the hallway, eyes on Jennie. "... I'm sorry about that."

"Mother, you don't have to apologize."

Chittip shook her head, chuckling. "No, I have to. Some days, everyone was peaceful. But there were times when things go out of hand. I'm afraid that scared you a bit."

"Mother, don't worry." Jennie let out a short chuckle. "At this point, I'm already used to Lisa."

Chittip kept her smile glued on her face, sighing in relief. She didn't say anything further, walking through the hallway until they reached a door.

"I have something else to apologize for," she said as she reached for the knob, opening the door ever so carefully. "You've been part of the family for years, but I only got to show you the house now."

"Mother, that's not your fault." Jennie followed her mother-in-law, stepping inside the room the latter brought her. "Considering how timid I used to be, I'm sure you didn't want to push me."

Chittip looked back at her with a smile. "This is our family room."

Jennie instinctively looked up, looking around the Manoban family home. The room was huge and extravagant, with a few sets of couches and tables, a fireplace, intricate furniture pieces, and photos — tons of photos. The photo that immediately caught Jennie's attention was the huge family portrait mounted on the wall.

Her eyes were stuck on the family portrait while still following her mother-in-law. The two of them stopped in front of the family portrait.

Chittip glanced at Jennie and smiled. "This is your first time seeing this, is it?"

"Yes," she answered under her breath. "It feels like I am looking at a royal family portrait."

The family portrait had Marco, Chittip, Lisa, Lucas, Jevin, and Grandma Manoban in it. All of them donned formal suits while Grandma Manoban was wearing a traditional outfit. Grandma Manoban sat on the long, intricate couch with Marco and Chittip sitting on either side of her. Jevin was sitting between Chittip and Grandma Manoban. Meanwhile, Lisa and Lucas were standing behind the couch.

The family portrait exuded elegance, wealth, and regality.

"We took that three years ago," said Chittip quietly, setting her eyes back on the family portrait. "We were looking for you at that time, but Lisa said you don't feel well."

'I figured,' Jennie said, recalling the original Jennie's memories.

Lisa did mention in the past about taking a family portrait to the original Jennie. Obviously, the latter ignored him and didn't get up on that day.

"I was just telling your father that we should retake this photo with you in it," Chittip added with a subtle smile. "But only if it's fine with you, of course."

Jennie blinked ever so slowly, turning her head to face her mother-in-law. "I'm sorry about that time, Mother."

"It's alright. We understand that marriage isn't easy, especially in the beginning." Chittip nodded reassuringly. "Even Marco and I went through rough days, especially since our marriage is arranged."

"Huh?"

"We don't talk about that much since we eventually fell in love with each other." Chittip chuckled, seeing the slight surprise on Jennie's face. "Come. Let's have a seat. I already told Butler Fu to bring us some refreshments. I'll tell you more about us if you're interested."

"Of course."

Jennie smacked her lips and nodded, following her mother-in-law to the large sets of couches. Both women sat on the long couch, facing each other while bearing their smiles on their faces.